Social Security is a key source of financial security to widowed spouses in old age. About 7.5 million individuals age 60 and older receive benefits based, at least in part, on a deceased spouse’s work record. When a retired worker dies, the surviving spouse gets an amount equal to the worker’s full retirement benefit.

What happens to a person’s Social Security check when they die?

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months. Benefits received by check must be returned to Social Security as soon as possible. Do not cash any checks received for the month in which the person dies or later.

When to notify social security of the death of a loved one?

Notification to the Social Security Administration becomes an important task when a loved one passes away. Your local field office requires notification to avert any identity theft issues and to process only legitimate payments. Moreover, you need to know who qualifies for Social Security benefits for eligible survivors of the person who has died.

What happens to social security when a spouse dies?

As for benefits available to survivors: If a spouse or qualifying dependent already was receiving money based on the deceased’s record, the benefit will auto-convert to survivors benefits when the government gets notice of the death, Sherman said.

When do Social Security benefits stop after death?

If the person was receiving Social Security benefits, a payment is not due for the month of their death. Survivor benefits may be available, depending on several factors. When a loved one receiving Social Security benefits passes away, you may wonder how the government knows to stop sending that monthly money.

Who is eligible for survivor benefits when a spouse dies?

En español | When a Social Security beneficiary dies, his or her surviving spouse is eligible for survivor benefits.